Page 104 of Turning the Tide

Ellie takes Jet out one last time before going to bed, Jet climbing right up next to her. She hasn't mentioned going home like the other times before. "What if I wake up and I'm scared and want my mom?"

"Then I'll take you home. Do you want to go home right now?" I ask, brushing her hair out of her face.

"Well, I can't leave Jet here alone on his first night."

I smile, laying down next to her, "What if I sleep right here?"

She nods, cuddling into my arm, and it isn't three minutes, and she's asleep.

My phone vibrates on her nightstand as I slip my arm out from under her to reach it.

Hanna- Does Ellie want to come home?

Jameson- She's asleep.

I take a picture of Ellie and Jet cuddled up and send it to Hanna.

Hanna- You got her a dog?

Jameson- No, we got us a dog.

Hanna- Oh, well, I wish you would've talked to me about it first.

I'm a little confused, not exactly sure what to say.

Jameson- I'm sorry, I didn't think I needed to ask you, especially for a dog that lives at my house.

Hanna- I just meant so I could've talked to Ellie about how much work it's going to be.

Jameson- We had that talk.

Hanna- Without me.

Jameson- Yeah, most of our talks are without you. I guess they probably always will be.

Hanna- Don't be an ass.

Jameson- Don't be your mother.

Hanna- I hate you.

Jameson- I'll bring Ellie home tomorrow, so she can get ready for the big day this weekend.

Hanna- Did you get your invitation? It was Ellie's idea. I hope that isn't weird.

Jameson- As long as you are happy.

She doesn't respond, and I put the phone down. I don't know why I even bother thinking she'd want to talk. It's not like she's going to change her mind now. It's too late. I'm too late.

My phone vibrates again, and I nearly drop it, trying to check it quickly.

Judson- Blakely had the baby. Sorry, it happened so fast, so we didn't really have the time to tell anyone. She and the baby are okay.

Jameson- It's about time. Ellie and I will come by in the morning if that's okay. Ellie has been so excited.

Unlike with JC, Blakely was a week past due. They thought she'd have the baby and be okay for Hanna's wedding. I guess the baby had other plans.

Judson- That's fine. See you then.